Students and tourists ‘put off’ as councillors brand Sligo–Belfast bus route a ‘Fawlty Towers type of service’

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The July meeting of Sligo County Council heard calls for the introduction of a direct bus service between Sligo and Belfast with Cllr Marie Casserly insisting, “the demand clearly exists.”

Cllr Casserly’s motion called on “Bus Eireann and the National Transport Authority to examine and introduce a direct Expressway bus service between Sligo and Belfast.”

The motion continued, “Currently, passengers travelling from Sligo to Belfast must change buses in Enniskillen, resulting in long wait times and inconvenience for commuters, students, and other passengers.

“A direct service, like the existing Sligo to Derry route, would greatly improve connectivity between the northwest and Belfast, support economic and educational links, and provide a more accessible and sustainable public transport option for the growing number of people travelling between both cities.”

The current journey length, including transfer in Enniskillen, is currently in the region of four and a half hours but delays or other issues can result in connections being missed and the overall journey time being even longer.

“If travelling by car the journey between Sligo and Belfast would be expected to be in the region of two and a half hours.

Speaking to the motion Cllr Casserly insisted a direct route would encourage people to travel between Belfast and Sligo adding, “I am hoping Bus Eireann and the NTA will take this on board.”

There was widespread support for Cllr Casserly’s motion with Cllr Ann Higgins describing the current scenario as, “A Fawlty Towers type of service.”

Cllr Higgins noted that delays can result in connections being missed, adding, “I have witnessed students in tears because they missed exams.”

She also expressed the view that tourists are put off from availing of the current service due to being forced to change in Enniskillen.

Cllr Edel MCSharry spoke from personal experience as she also voiced her support for the motion. Cllr McSharry said she is “One of those parents” who has a daughter availaing of the service every week as she makes her way to and from Belfast.

Speaking to the motion Cllr McSharry said, “We need shared connectivity for students going to the ATU or Ulster University.

“That route is dire. I am not one of those nice parents that drives to Enniskillen every week. My daughter has to wait on her connection.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.